LabStak
Alfa Laval offers a wide range of small-scale LabStak modules which are ideal for on-site testing. Valuable data is gained for evaluation of process feasibility, determination of design and up-scaling, optimization of existing production lines or processing of high-value products.
Small-scale LabStak® modules
In order to ensure the optimum solution, it is often advisable to conduct experiments on a small scale. These can be used to establish process feasibility, determine design data for up-scaling, optimize existing production lines or even carry out small-scale processing of high-value and/or low-volume products.
Our range of LabStak® modules is based on the unique plate-and-frame design with the module sizes: M10, M20, M37, M38 and M39. The liquid capacity of our LabStak® modules varies from only 57 ml of test media volume in the Alfa Laval LabStak® M10 module up to 3 litres in the Alfa Laval LabStak® M39H module. It is possible to test all filtration processes: Reverse osmosis, nanofitration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration.
For the Alfa Laval LabStak® M20 module we offer the possibility to test also spiral wound membranes as the module can be equipped with a specially designed M20-2.5" housing. This makes it a perfect tool for initial spiral element testing before screening on flat sheet membranes.
On-site testing or at Alfa Laval pilot facilities
Alfa Laval provides small-scale modules, units and pilot plants for testing on-site in connection with other process equipment and for testing at our own state-of-the-art Membrane and Application Development Test Centre in Nakskov, Denmark. In both cases, we also provide highly skilled process consultancy services.
Benefits
- You can make the first screening evaluations in your own laboratory and thus get the correct answers to vital questions
- The same design is used for both small-scale and industrial scale equipment which allows you to develop new processes and products
- The data gathered is accurate and reliable for easy up-scaling
- Alfa Laval has its own membrane and application development test centre where experts are ready to help you with process know-how and test work
- You can conduct experiments with both plate-and-frame and spiral wound module configurations - and all filtration processes
¿Cómo funciona la filtración por membrana?
Separación física
La filtración por membrana es un proceso de separación física en el que la fuerza impulsora es la diferencia de presión entre los dos lados de una membrana especial. Este proceso se caracteriza por la capacidad de separar moléculas de diferentes tamaños y características.
Casi toda la filtración por membrana industrial se lleva a cabo como filtración de flujo cruzado, en la que el líquido que se filtra fluye paralelo a la membrana a alta velocidad y bajo presión.
Barrera física
En términos muy básicos, la filtración por membrana consiste en hacer pasar una sola corriente de alimentación a través de un sistema de membranas que la separa en dos corrientes individuales, conocidas como permeado y retentado. La membrana que las separa es una barrera física con características muy especializadas, una barrera que solo pueden atravesar determinados componentes seleccionados de la corriente de alimentación.
Atravesar
Los poros de este material de membrana son tan pequeños que se miden en angstroms (10-10 m), y se necesita presión para forzar el paso del líquido a través de ellos. De hecho, los poros de las membranas utilizadas para la nanofiltración y la ósmosis inversa son tan pequeños que no se pueden ver ni siquiera con un microscopio electrónico de barrido.
Long experience with membranes
Alfa Laval's experience within membrane filtration dates back almost as far as the technology itself, and we wish to share our experience with you.